Youngstock Manager

Hurkledale Farm; Cummertrees; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Hurkledale Farm in Cummertrees, near Annan, is seeking an experienced Youngstock Manager to lead the day-to-day rearing of calves, ensuring welfare, health and development to 24 months. This hands-on role requires practical dairy farming excellence and the ability to work across sites.

The role covers feeding, health monitoring, hygiene, and adherence to rearing protocols. Travel between farm sites is required; a full driving licence is essential and a passion for cattle is a must.

Qualifications

• Has previous training or qualifications in calf husbandry (beneficial) or has strong practical stockmanship skills.
• Has experience working within a dairy environment.
• Has experience of operating tractors, telehandlers and other agricultural machinery.
• Has a genuine passion for dairy farming and youngstock.
• Understands the importance of and takes pride in maintaining high standards of cleanliness.
• Has strong communication skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Can work confidently as part of a team as well as on their own.
• Is organised, reliable and maintains a proactive approach to their work.
• Holds a full valid driving licence and is able to commute to our farm in Cummertrees. Accommodation is not currently available for this position.
• Is flexible and willing to travel between farm sites.

Responsibilities

• Taking responsibility for the day-to-day management of all youngstock across all farming units.
• Feeding youngstock, which will involve operating tractors, feed wagons and telehandler.
• Regular monitoring of health and welfare of youngstock, including walking pens and detecting illness and the prompt administration of appropriate treatment.
• Implementing and monitoring compliance with farm and youngstock rearing protocols and procedures and continually identifying improvements to these.
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and biosecurity within youngstock facilities.
• Identifying any issues early and communicating these to the farm management team.
• Ensuring high standards of animal welfare are maintained at all times.
• Working over multiple sites, for which transport will be provided.

Skills

Calf husbandry

Stockmanship

Dairy environment

Tractor operation

Telehandler

Driving licence

Tools

Tractor operation

Telehandler operation

Job description

We’re on the lookout for an experienced, motivated and hands-on Youngstock Manager to join the team at Hurkledale Farm, a well-established dairy farm based in Cummertrees, near Annan.

About the role:

This is a newly created role within the business offering the opportunity to oversee all aspects of youngstock rearing on the farm. The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day management, health, welfare and development of youngstock from day one through to 24 months of age, helping to ensure they are reared to a consistently high standard.

This is a hands‑on role ideally suited to someone who has a passion for working with cattle and dairy farming.

Duties will include:

• Taking responsibility for the day-to-day management of all youngstock across all farming units.
• Feeding youngstock, which will involve operating tractors, feed wagons and telehandler.
• Regular monitoring of health and welfare of youngstock, including walking pens and detecting illness and the prompt administration of appropriate treatment.
• Implementing and monitoring compliance with farm and youngstock rearing protocols and procedures and continually identifying improvements to these.
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and biosecurity within youngstock facilities.
• Identifying any issues early and communicating these to the farm management team.
• Ensuring high standards of animal welfare are maintained at all times.
• Working over multiple sites, for which transport will be provided.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has previous training or qualifications in calf husbandry (beneficial) or has strong practical stockmanship skills.
• Has experience working within a dairy environment.
• Has experience of operating tractors, telehandlers and other agricultural machinery.
• Has a genuine passion for dairy farming and youngstock.
• Understands the importance of and takes pride in maintaining high standards of cleanliness.
• Has strong communication skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Can work confidently as part of a team as well as on their own.
• Is organised, reliable and maintains a proactive approach to their work.
• Holds a full valid driving licence and is able to commute to our farm in Cummertrees. Accommodation is not currently available for this position.
• Is flexible and willing to travel between farm sites.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to work for a well-established dairy business with a supportive team environment where you can develop a broad range of skills and experience.
• Approx. 50 hours per week, to be worked over a negotiable working pattern.
• Competitive salary starting from £40,000 per annum, depending on experience and working pattern.